MUNCIE, Ind.—Former Ball State offensive guard Danny Pinter will not have far to travel as he begins his journey in the NFL.
Pinter was selected as 149th overall by the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. He is the first Cardinal in six years to get drafted to an NFL roster.
The redshirt senior from South Bend, Indiana was named to the first-team All-MAC this past season and was named the Cardinals’ most outstanding player, receiving the Ball State John Magnabosco Award.
During his time at Ball State, Pinter also won the 2019 Paul Schudel Strength and Conditioning Award, the 2018 and 2019 Dave McLain Leadership Award, as well as the 2017 Ray Louthen Award that goes to Ball State’s most improved player.
The four-time All-MAC lineman started all 12 games this year—just one of two Cardinal offensive linemen to do so. Ball State’s offensive line was a strength this year; they rushed for over 200 yards in seven of their eight conference games, with a season-high of 374 yards against Toledo.
The Colts may be looking to use Pinter in their offensive game plan early-on. He has shown flexibility on the front lines, moving between tackle and guard. With time to learn under Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo, he could step onto the field in short order.
The Colts were the only team in the NFL to start the same five offensive linemen in all 16 regular season games this year. However, with Castonzo possibly retiring in the next couple seasons, Indianapolis may have their next prospect.
